Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

College Results – 2021 – #2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; More than a “Baker’s Dozen” of articles with (w)results of wrestling matches to determine team scores in duals and tournaments and wresults from matches to determine starting positions. Yes, we mispelled that word as we wonder why not have ‘wrestling results’ be shortened to wresults? Why not? What do our wrestling readers think? Let us know. Hmm, maybe these readers would wreaders?
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1 } – NCAA DIV. I INTRASQUAD MATCH RESULTS, AS OF JAN. 1
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Jan. 01,
Each year. TheMat.com has published results from the intrasquad matches of the Div. I wrestling programs. In the unprecedented 2020-21 season, with the delay of the start of the wrestling season due to the pandemic, we have not yet been able to post this annual update. Intrasquad meets have been a way to hold wrestle-offs, invite fans and sometimes stream matches. This year, with all of the uncertainty, things were different and collecting these results has been sometimes a challenge. With the season starting this weekend, we bring you results from 14 Div. I Intrasquad matches. There are a few more coming up in the next few days, and we will continue to seek others we could not find results. In about a week, we will publish an update to this story. Any college programs that want to send in their intrasquad match results which have not been listed below should please email them to Gary Abbott at gabbott@usawrestling.org
APPALACHIAN STATE — Friday, December 18
Black 19, Gold 18
(TB criteria at 18-all — more pins for Black team)
125: Codi Russell (Black) def. Caleb Smith (Gold), 5-3 dec.
HWT: Michael Burchell (Gold) def. Tim Warren (Black), 2-0 dec.
133: Tyler Kellison (Black) def. Kobe Early (Gold), 10-3 dec.
197: Mason Fiscella (Gold) def. Paul Carson (Black)
141: Anthony Brito (Gold) def. Heath Gonyer (Black), 2-0 dec.
184: Julian Gorring (Black) def. Barrett Blakely (Gold), 3-1 dec. (SV-1)
149: Tristan Pugh (Black) def. Jack Campbell (Gold), fall, 4:18
174: Thomas Flitz (Gold) def. Jackson Boles (Black), 7-3 dec.
157: Cody Bond (Black) def. Tommy Askey (Gold), 4-1 dec.
165: Will Formato (Gold) def. Brett Mordecai (Black), 2-0 dec. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/01/Div-I-Intrasquad-results?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
OSU : Best Orange and Black Matches, HWT and More … story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/wrestling-mailbag-best-orange-and-black-matches-hwt-and-more/?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Gold Tops Maroon In Wrestling Intrasquad … story at https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2020/12/27/gold-tops-maroon-in-wrestling-intrasquad.aspx?mc_cid=0d946e15c0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Cougars Post Successful Intrasquad Event … story at https://siue.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20210103npjvwq?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – VIKINGS ARE VICTORIOUS IN SIOUX CITY
Sioux City, IA – No. 1 Grand View men’s wrestling traveled to Sioux City this afternoon to take on Morningside College in two duals. The Vikings came out victorious in both duals and defeated the Mustangs 31-6 and 49-6. The Vikings recorded 10 total pins over the two duals, eight of which came from team two in their 49-6 victory.
Other notables include Gabriel Rangel who pinned his opponent in 1:03 to garner six points for the Vikings. Teammate Greg Hagan also posted a fall of 1:12. Grand View extends their dual win streak to 97 duals.
Up Next?
The Vikings will be back in action at Central Methodist after the holiday season. The Heart of America match up is set for January 8th at 6:00 p.m. … rest of results and story at http://www.gvvikings.com/article/6851?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Doane College Wrestling Picks Up Three Wins at Concordia Duals
Doane Wrestling traveled to Seward for the Concordia Duals on Saturday and walked away with a 3-1 mark. The Tigers are now 7-2 in duals this year.
Dual #1: Doane vs. Arizona Christian
The morning opened with #13 Doane vs. Arizona Christian, a team just on the outside of the Top 20 and receiving votes in the NAIA poll. The Tigers posted a 31-15 win over the Firestorm. In a back and forth match, ACU jumped out 6-0 with a pin at 125. Daniel Vargas (JR/San Diego, Calif.) put the Tigers on the board at 133 with a major decision win, 10-2. Baagii Boldmaa (JR/Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) gave Doane the lead with a 20-5 tech fall win at 141. Tristan Zamilpa (SO/Madera, Calif.) added a decision win, 11-4, at 149 to put the Tigers up 12-6. Arizona Christian came back with a decision victory at 157 and … rest of story at http://www.doaneathletics.com/article/5122.php?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Southeastern Wrestling Rallies to Down Division I Foe
CHARLESTON, S.C.—Don’t tell Southeastern they can’t compete with anyone. The Fire wrestling team won seven of 11 matches against The Citadel and defeated the Bulldogs 22-14 for the program’s first victory over an NCAA Division I program in a dual. The Fire (5-3) won three straight matches late, getting bonus points at two of them to rally back and secure the match. With his team down 11-9, Coleman Bryant picked up a 12-4 major decision at 174 to give the Fire a 13-11 lead. Then, Blake Rypel won by first period fall to net six points and make it 19-11.  Freshman Trillyon Fils-Aime scored his sixth win of the season, grinding out a 7-4 win over Ben Stemmet, getting a takedown with 17 seconds remaining which put the dual out of reach. “Coleman and Blake did what they do, scored a lot of points … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2020/12/18/wrestling-rallies-to-down-division-i-foe.aspx?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – No. 10 @ASUWrestling Claims 39-3 Victory Over Little Rock
TEMPE – The No. 10 Sun Devil wrestling team claimed their first victory of the 2021 season over Little Rock, 39-3, in Desert Financial Arena Saturday afternoon. “I think overall it was a good match and competed well,” head coach Zeke Jones said. “We came and did what we were supposed to do. Our conditioning was solid and I think we wrestled well in all three positions and I liked our mentality.” ASU notched five bonus-point wins, including three pins from Sun Devils Jacori Teemer (157), Cade Belshay (184) and Kordell Norfleet (197) to secure the win. … rest of story at https://thesundevils.com/news/2021/1/2/no-10-asuwrestling-claims-38-3-victory-over-little-rock.aspx?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Virginia Opens 2021 With Strong Performances At App State Tournament
BOONE, N.C. – The Virginia wrestling team opened the 2021 season on Saturday (Jan. 2) with 23 wrestlers in competition at the Appalachian State Individual Quad at Varsity Gym in Boone, N.C. Wrestlers from Virginia and The Citadel joined competitors from host Appalachian State in the round-robin format competition. No champions were crowned for the event. It was the first competition of the season for both the Mountaineers and the Cavaliers, while The Citadel had a pair of dual meets in the fall.
Virginia had 11 wrestlers go undefeated on the day and the Cavaliers combined for 29 bonus-point victories in 70 total matches wrestled.
NOTES FROM THE MAT
• The Cavaliers had 11 wrestlers go undefeated on the afternoon, … rest of story at https://virginiasports.com/news/2021/01/02/virginia-opens-2021-with-strong-performances-at-app-state-tournament/?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – New Faces Help Bulls Earn Season-Opening Win over Ohio
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo wrestling team finally opened the season on Saturday afternoon and looked impressive in a 20-12 win over Mid-American Conference foe Ohio. A number of new faces made their dual debut for the Bulls. One of those Bulls making their debut was freshman Tristan Daugherty. The Peoria, IL native earned a 2-0 decision of Gio DiSabato in the first match of the day at 125. Daugherty used an escape and the riding time point to earn his first career win. After dropping a decision at 133, the Bulls sent Derek Spann to the mat at 141. The redshirt-senior was bumped up a weight class this season after wrestling at 133. After giving up an early takedown, Spann took control for the remainder of the match and earned a 7-2 decision. Ty Raines, also making his dual debut, had the most exciting match of the day,  … rest of story at https://ubbulls.com/news/2021/1/2/wrestling-new-faces-help-bulls-earn-season-opening-win-over-ohio.aspx?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – WINCHESTER, MARSTELLER, RIVERA WIN FEATURED BOUTS IN BATTLE ON THE BANKS CARD IN NEW JERSEY
METUCHEN, N.J. – World champion Jacarra Winchester of the Titan Mercury scored a first-period technical fall, closing out 13 exciting matches in the Battle on the Banks card held Saturday at St. Joseph High School. Winchester scored two takedowns and three turns to finish a 10-0 technical fall in 1:11 over Koral Sugiyama of the Twin Cities WC. Winchester took down Sugiyama and hit a quick gut wrench to lead 4-0. Using a cradle, Winchester got a takedown and added a turn, then finished with a high gut wrench to end the match. “I felt really good. I have been working on cradles and other turns. My goal is to finish everybody in the first period. I am pushing myself. It was a short show, but I put on a show,” said Winchester. In a close battle at 175 pounds, Chance Marsteller held off Tommy Gantt … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/02/Winchester-Marsteller-Rivera-star-at-Battle-on-the-Banks?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
and Wrestlers Finish Action at Battle on the Banks … story at https://scarletknights.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-wrestlers-finish-action-at-battle-on-the-banks.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – SDSU WRESTLERS SPLIT SEASON-OPENING DUALS
FARGO, N.D. – Zach Price and Tanner Sloan each won both of their matches to help lead the South Dakota State wrestling team to a split of its two duals Sunday at the season-opening NDSU Quadrangular. The Jackrabbits fell to 12th-ranked Missouri, 33-9, in the opener, then rallied for a 20-12 victory against Oregon State.
No. 12 Missouri 33, SDSU 9
Missouri recorded a pair of pins and won eight of 10 matches overall in defeating the Jackrabbits, 33-9. Keegan O’Toole at 157 pounds and Jeremiah Kent in the 184-pound matchup recorded the Tigers’ wins by fall. Price, ranked 24th at 133 pounds, put the Jackrabbits on the board with an upset of 12th-ranked Matt Schmitt, recording a takedown and two-point near-fall in the third period for a 7-5 decision. Sloan made quick work of Missouri’s Canten Marriott in the 197-pound matchup, putting his opponent’s shoulders to the mat in 2 minutes and 37 seconds for the other Jackrabbit victory in the dual.
Three other Missouri wrestlers won by major decision:  … rest of story at https://gojacks.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-sdsu-wrestlers-split-season-opening-duals.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Chippewas Roll In Season Opener
Next for CMU is a date with perennial MAC power Missouri
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan won all 10 matches and scored bonus points in six of them on Sunday in topping Olivet, 44-0, in a nonconference dual wrestling meet at McGuirk Arena.
 It was the season opener for the Chippewas, who are ranked 21st nationally by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.  CMU coach Tom Borrelli mixed in several young faces with his veterans against the Division III Comets, who were also wrestling their season opener.  The Chippewas got pin victories from Mason Breece (157 pounds), Landon Pelham (197) and Matt Stencel (285), technical-fall wins from Drew Hildebrandt (125) and Alex Cramer (165), and a major decision from Drew Marten (133).
 Hildebrandt is ranked seventh nationally, Stencel is fourth, and Marten is 19th. Dresden Simon (141), CMU’s other ranked wrestler, did not wrestle against the Comets.  It was Cramer’s first match as a Chippewa after transferring from Old Dominion.  The Chippewas got decision victories from … rest of story at https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-chippewas-roll-in-season-opener.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – No. 12 Mizzou Wrestling Dominates in Season-Opening Tri-Dual Sweep
Tigers outscore trio of opponents, 114-12
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 12 Mizzou Wrestling (3-0) opened its 2021 campaign with a bang Sunday, cruising to three dual victories over South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Oregon State. The Tigers improved as the afternoon progressed, beginning with a 33-9 win over the Jackrabbits. Mizzou then followed with a 38-3 triumph against the host Bison and capped its day with a 43-0 shutout victory over the Beavers. Overall, Mizzou tallied an impressive 10 triumphs over nationally ranked opponents, highlighted by a 12-0 major decision victory over No. 7 Devan Turner by redshirt junior Matt Schmitt. Redshirt Junior Allan Hart accounted for two of the Tigers’ ranked wins, taking down the nation’s No. 16 and No. 23 ranked foes at 141 pounds. Junior Brock Mauller, redshirt sophomore Peyton Mocco, redshirt freshman Sean Harman, redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Kent and redshirt sophomore Zach Elam all produced an unscathed 3-0 record in Sunday’s duals. The Tigers continued their dominance into extra matches between the four programs … rest of story at https://mutigers.com/news/2021/1/3/no-12-mizzou-wrestling-dominates-in-season-opening-tri-dual-sweep.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – OTHER TEAM NEWS & NOTES :
Kent State Wrestling Update
KENT, OHIO- Kent State Wrestling will not be participating in the quad meet scheduled for Jan. 2 at App State due to COVID-19 protocols. The health and safety of our student-athletes and staff is our highest priority.  … more team news at https://kentstatesports.com/news/2020/12/31/kent-state-wrestling-update.aspx?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Cowboy Wrestling Looks Prepared for Season Opener After Orange and Black Ranking Matches
Orange and Black Ranking Matches Scoresheet (PDF)
STILLWATER – The expected starters and highly-touted freshman class for this season’s Cowboy wrestling team looked the part on Sunday, as Oklahoma State hosted its Orange and Black Ranking Matches at Gallagher-Iba Arena in preparation for next week’s season-opening duals. … rest of story at https://okstate.com/news/2021/1/3/cowboy-wrestling-looks-prepared-for-season-opener-after-orange-and-black-ranking-matches.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
and Recap: Cowboys Show Potential in Orange and Black Dual … story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/recap-cowboys-show-potential-in-orange-and-black-dual/?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

January 6, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Wrestling News 2021 – # 2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Greatly sadden to hear of the NCWA not sponsoring meets this season. Yet we are confident that we can see those teams in competition. The details are in the first article below. There are several articles about the tremendous award for Coach Dan Gable for his tremendous contributions to our sport. The national media awards for last year are included as the last article.
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1 } – NCWA NOT SPON­SOR­ING A 2021 WINTER SEMESTER SEASON
On Sunday, December 27th, the NCWA Board of Directors met for the third time to determine the outlook for the delayed 2021 Winter Season. After a brief discussion with each conference chairman concerning their respective conference teams ability to participate, it was determined that no conference had even 20% participation. Four of the eight conferences had no teams that would be permitted by their universities to travel or have other teams on campus. Therefore, no allowable competition this semester.
Based upon these difficult numbers, the board concluded that the NCWA will be unable to sponsor a season of competition in 2020-21.
NCWA member teams who’s universities are allowing competition are encouraged to compete under the guidelines provided by their respective institutions. No Athlete will be in any way penalized for competition during the 2020-21 season and no eligibility is forfeited by the athletes choosing to participate in any event this season. The board has had discussions concerning a collegiate invitational tournament that could give participating athletes a season ending event. If such an event holds interest to NCWA and or NCAA Schools please contact jim@ncwa.net to discuss details. Any events available to NCWA athletes can be posted here on the NCWA website. The Board has already begun to plan for the 2021-22 season and encourages teams to recruit athletes to their programs with the knowledge that there will be a strong 2021-22 wrestling season for NCWA Programs. … stories at https://ncwa.net/news/2020/ncwa-not-sponsoring-a-2021-winter-semester-season?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – 2020 ‘Outstanding Individual Performance’: Benji Peak
Sometimes, a win isn’t just a win. It’s a moment in which everyone can take part and celebrate. Not out of fandom or personal affinities, or wrestling’s version of tribalism. But rather, because the timing somehow aligned perfectly with the mood, and in such a way that the gravity of the situation compelled all those who witnessed it to join in on the triumph.
When Benji Peak (67 kg, Sunkist/NTS, 5PM #11) emerged victorious at the US Nationals in October, he played a vital role in helping declare wrestling’s return to the spotlight. It had been over half a year since American Seniors were able to step on a mat in an actual meaningful live setting. Coralville, Iowa was the place, where Peak came to life and injected a dose of much-needed energy back into the consciousness. There were some fans in the brand new Xtream Arena scattered about the seats. Not a whole lot. Not enough, but maybe enough to jive with the circumstances. Coaches and officials donned masks or face shields whilst patrolling the battleground. A dystopic scene, in a sense. … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/2020-outstanding-individual-performance-benji-peak/?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – TOP 15 MOST-READ STORIES ON USA WRESTLING’S WEBSITE THEMAT.COM IN 2020
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Jan. 04, 2021, 11:02 a.m. (ET)It is you, our USA Wrestling members and wrestling fans, who determined the Top 15 best-read stories that were posted on USA Wrestling’s website TheMat.com in 2020. This is based entirely upon the data for the number of reads for each story. The top story was the March 28 article on New Mexico high school wrestler Canaan Bower, whose act of heroism during a gas-station attempted kidnapping captured the nation’s attention. As an unprecedented year, the next two most read stories had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. No. 2 was the first major USA Wrestling statement about COVID-19 on March 12. No. 3 was the release of USA Wrestling’s Return to Mat Guidelines on May 15. Rounding out the top five were No. 4 Big Ten Championships brackets on March 6 and No. 5 J’den Cox announcement on what weight class he would compete during Olympic year on Feb. 11.
… rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/04/Top-15-read-stories-from-USA-Wrestlings-website-in-2020?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – How some of the nation’s best college wrestlers have kept sharp for 2021
COVID-19 put the world on hold in 2020, but the nation’s top college wrestlers never stopped training. Michigan sophomore lightweight Jack Medley and several of his teammates ran multiple summer marathons in their hometowns, Iowa’s Spencer Lee drilled against his dog and his mom, and Ohio State freshman Anthony Echemendia reminded the world that he’s still one of the best gymnasts in college wrestling.  Their training didn’t go to waste either, as USA Wrestling, FloWrestling, Rokfin, TrackWrestling, Beat the Streets and numerous Regional Training Centers sponsored creative events that allowed the athletes to shake off the rust and challenge themselves. As the focus shifts to the NCAA season, here’s what we know about some of the top college wrestlers, their summer performances, and their skills heading into another championship college season. 
Minnesota’s Gable Steveson took a big step 
Minnesota junior Gable Steveson was a big name … rest of story at https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2020-01-04/how-some-nations-best-college-wrestlers-have-kept-sharp-2021?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Nobody more deserving of Presidential Medal of Freedom than Dan Gable
When I sat down to write about why Dan Gable is so deserving of being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, my mind started racing in a million different directions. His accomplishments obviously speak for themselves. Winning two NCAA titles, a world title and an Olympic gold medal as a wrestler. Winning an unthinkable 15 NCAA titles and 21 Big Ten titles in 21 seasons as the head coach at Iowa. Coaching three of his wrestlers — Randy Lewis, and Ed and Lou Banach — to gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games. And later coaching another wrestler, Tom Brands, who won the Olympics in 1996. Gable’s accomplishments extend far beyond his incredible resume in the sport of wrestling. I have my own share of experiences and memories from being around Gable over the years that have given me a better understanding and appreciation of a man I have tremendous respect for. I first learned about Dan Gable when I checked out a book on him at my school library while growing up in Tipton, Iowa. Like many kids in Iowa, and beyond, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and win the Olympics. His story was motivating and inspiring. My mother gave me a hard time because of how often I checked that book out from the library over the years. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24026?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Cole Hauser Interview: The Last Champion
We interview The Last Champion star Cole Hauser about what drew him to the project, its similarities with other sports films, and much more. In the film The Last Champion, John Wright was a hometown hero – the powerful star of his high school wrestling team and a promising Olympian. He could have had it all… but one bad decision destroyed his dreams and forced him to leave under a cloud of scandal that has haunted him ever since. But 20 years later, John returns to his small town after his mother’s death. His icy reception proves his former friends and neighbors still haven’t forgiven him for letting them down. Unexpectedly, John gets the opportunity to turn everything around by coaching his high school’s wrestling team. Cole Hauser plays the role of John Wright, and Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview him. We go over his passion for the script, his experience learning wrestling for the role, and the process for prepping for one of the film’s most intense scenes. … rest of story at https://screenrant.com/last-champion-movie-cole-hauser-interview/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Al Fontes Lauded Coach, Editor Says So Long to California Wrestling Community
It has been an honor and privilege serving the California wrestling community…

After serving the California wrestling community for over 25 years, Coach Al Fontes am departing from editorship responsibilities with the California Wrestler Newsletter

After serving the California wrestling community for over 25 years, I am departing from editorship responsibilities with the California Wrestler Newsletter (TCW) and moving on to a new chapter in my life. It has been an honor and a privilege serving the California wrestling community and giving back to the sport I love and always have had a great passion for. My long tenure working with the members of the TCW staff has been rewarding, fun, and filled with many great memories, opportunities, and friendships. I will cherish then for the rest of my life. The origin of the TCW began in 1974 when founders Bill Grant and Larry Prosper formulated the concept of generating a newsletter to inform the wrestling community of the latest dual and tournament results. At the time, local newspaper outlets throughout Northern California were lacking the coverage in their respective areas. After nearly 50 years, the TCW has grown to be among the top state sites in the country where avid wrestling fans throughout California and abroad view day-to-day stories, biographies, question & answer articles, and state/section rankings. … rest of story at https://sportstarsmag.com/lauded-coach-al-fontes-editor-says-so-long-to-california-wrestling-community/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – For wrestling icon Dan Gable, Presidential Medal of Freedom is an achievement of a lifetime
Dan Gable stood inside the Oval Office on Monday afternoon. To his left, President Donald J. Trump rattled off Gable’s many wrestling accomplishments: state champ, national champ, Olympic champ, successful coach, relentless ambassador, on and on.
Trump then turned to Gable with a wry smile.
“Now, I’m larger than you, a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling?”
Gable didn’t even smile at the idea. “You would have no chance,” he responded, sparking laughter.
President Trump awarded Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The modern iteration of the distinction was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America’s national interests, society and culture.
“I wouldn’t be here if I had just won an Olympic gold medal,” Gable said. “It has been a lifetime of work, learning from others, … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa/wrestling/2020/12/07/iowa-wrestling-icon-dan-gable-receive-presidential-medal-freedom-monday-president-donald-trump-white/3857583001/?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Trump awards Gable Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The answer was emphatic.
Monday morning in a ceremony attended by his wife, Kathy, daughters, Jenni, Molly, Annie and Mackenzie, sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren, Waterloo native Dan Gable received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Dan Gable, family prepared for wrestling icon’s historic day
Waterloo native Dan Gable will be bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Monday at the White House. His entire family will be hand to witness his historic day.  The medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to people who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to its culture or to other significant endeavors. In an exchange about wrestling prowess, both Gable and Trump laughed during their verbal back and forth.
“Now, I’m larger than you a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling now? Would I have a big advantage?”
“You would have no chance,” Gable quickly responded.
Timeline of the career of Waterloo legend Dan Gable
Gable joins notable Iowans in many fields who have received the award, including United Mine Workers leader John L. Lewis of Lucas County, agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug of Cresco, actor John Wayne of … rest of story at https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/trump-awards-gable-presidential-medal-of-freedom/article_0b4598d2-3dc3-50d9-bc46-a51489e1f524.html?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – 4 Things to Know about The Last Champion, the Inspiring Family Film about Second Chances
John Wright is a quiet and pensive ex-Olympian who can’t let go of his past.
An all-state wrestler in high school and an All-American in college, John was poised to become one of the greatest wrestlers in history when he claimed Olympic gold as a young man, only to have his medal stripped following a drug test. That was years ago, but John still hasn’t forgiven himself. In fact, he’s rarely visited the small town that made him famous. But his mother recently died, and John now must return to his hometown to sort through her belongings and to tend to her ranch. It’s a visit that will force John to confront his mistakes and the people who never forgave him. Not surprisingly, it’s a visit that John dreads. … rest of story at https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/features/things-to-know-about-the-last-champion-the-inspiring-family-film-about-second-chances.html?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Also check out
Heard of Redburn Street Pictures? It’s a family making movies in town; check out ‘The Last Champion’ … story at https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/movies_tv/article_f55b2350-34e7-11eb-aa44-2bc79d30583e.html?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – THE UNSTOPPABLE PODCAST HOSTED BY ANTHONY ROBLES PRESENTED BY SAFESTREETS LAUNCHES
Anthony Robles, a three-time wrestling All-American, 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion, and NIKE athlete, today announced the launch of The Unstoppable Podcast hosted by Anthony Robles and presented by SafeStreets. On life’s journey, it’s inevitable that we all will have to wrestle against challenges. This podcast is a series of thought-provoking conversations with people that have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve amazing things because they chose to be unstoppable.
“I’ve seen my share of trials and hardships both on and off the wrestling mat but through it all, I always believed I was unstoppable,” said Robles. “I shared my story in my book titled, UNSTOPPABLE, and a podcast seemed like a natural progression. It gives me the platform to interview a variety of people and tell their stories with the hopes of inspiring others.” … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/09/The-Unstoppable-Podcast-hosted-by-Anthony-Robles-Presented-by-SafeStreets-launches-today?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – NWMA announces 2019-20 wrestling media award winners
NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. — The National Wrestling Media Association has announced its annual award winners for the 2019-20 season. The NWMA is the national professional organization for journalists who cover the sport of amateur wrestling. This includes reporters, editors, publishers, webmasters, photographers, broadcasters, athletic communications professionals and other media professionals who share an interest and involvement in the sport. The organization was founded in 1989. This past offseason, the NWMA opted to reorganize several awards categories, and develop new categories  that recognize and celebrate the advances and innovations from the sport’s media outlets.  This year’s honorees include two innovators in wrestling coverage from both the print and online industries, a familiar voice, a new voice, a prominent beat writer, breakthrough performances and longtime sports information professionals. 
Shane Sparks of the Big Ten Network and Trackwrestling earns his second honor as the NWMA’s Broadcaster of the Year and his first since 2011. Sparks’ colleague at Trackwrestling/SportsEngine, Richard Immel, wins his first Photographer of the Year award. He is also a previous recipient of the now-retired New Media Specialist honor. Tom Housenick of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania is the 2019-20 Journalist of the Year, while longtime professional sports information directors Stacie Michaud of Navy and Chris Caputo of Pitt-Johnstown are honored for their work in the respective Division I and Small College SID of the Year awards. PA Power Wrestling, which had been nominated numerous times for Website of the Year, takes the first Outlet of the Year award. … rest of story at https://www.nationalwrestlingmedia.com/2020/12/nwma-announces-2019-20-wrestling-media-award-winners/?mc_cid=3c167aa54c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

January 6, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

ABBOTT BLOG: TOP 10 WRESTLING STORIES OF 2020

By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Dec. 30, 2020, 
I have enjoyed writing an annual Top 10 wrestling stories of the year column for a very long time, but I can absolutely confirm that there has never been a year like 2020. I started competing in the sport in 1972, and have worked in wrestling communications since 1983. This is totally different than any other wrestling year, hands-down.
The COVID-19 pandemic not only had a major impact on wrestling, but has affected every aspect of life on earth. I don’t know anybody who went through the Spanish Flu pandemic over 100 years ago, so none of us have any experience in this kind of thing. The big wrestling stories mostly came off the mat, not on it, and in most cases, they were very challenging or difficult.
So, in a year in which “everything is fluid,” and when everybody has “to pivot” in order to move forward, here are my Top 10 stories for 2020.

1. NCAAs, Olympic Games, Olympic Trials, Fargo and so much more cancelled by pandemic – It would be easy to include COVID-19 in some way in all of our top stories for the year, but we are not going to do that. We are lumping all of the major wrestling competitions which were cancelled or postponed into just one posting, which is clearly the biggest story of the year. The first event that I missed attending due to pandemic cancellations was the NAIA Women’s National Invitational in Jamestown, N.D., which was cancelled in early March. Shortly after that, the NCAA announced the cancellation of all of its wrestling nationals, including what was going to be a record-setting Div. I Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium, a football stadium in Minneapolis. I had been to every NCAA D-I meet since 1983, and the pandemic ended that streak for me. When the IOC postponed the Olympics for a year, USA Wrestling postponed the sold-out Olympic Trials in State College, Pa. for a year. After holding out as long as possible, USA Wrestling ultimately ended up cancelling the biggest wrestling tournament on the planet, the combined USMC Junior/Cadet Nationals in Fargo, N.D., which was set to celebrate the 50th year of Junior Nationals. The pandemic shut down the sport of wrestling for months, before it was possible to start back up with some youth competitions this summer. I certainly hope that there is never another year where the biggest story is about what didn’t happen in our sport.

2. USA has great Pan American Olympic Qualifier, and has 15 qualified weights for Olympic Games – At the 2019 World Championships, the USA had an excellent performance overall, but qualified just four weight classes for the Olympic Games (two in men’s freestyle, two in women’s freestyle). The next opportunity came at the 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada in early March. The first major obstacle was actually having the event held at all, because it was scheduled right at the time when the world was shutting down due to COVID-19. UWW and the hosts in Canada made adjustments and the event went forward. Team USA had a great performance in Ottawa, qualifying at 11 more weight classes to give the USA 15 out of the 18 weights locked in. You needed to place in the top two to qualify in Ottawa. The four U.S. women all reached the finals, with Sarah Hildebrandt, Jacarra Winchester, Helen Maroulis and Kayla Miracle getting the job done. Men’s freestyle got three more weights qualified, thanks to Thomas Gilman, David Taylor and Nick Gwiazdowski making it happen. In Greco-Roman, four weights were qualified, thanks to Ildar Hafizov, Alejandro Sancho, Joe Rau and G’Angelo Hancock making the grade. At 15 qualifiers, the USA currently has the most Olympic weights in Tokyo of any nation, and has one more than the 14 we had at the 2016 Rio Games. There are only three spots left to qualify (two in Greco-Roman and one in men’s freestyle), and we get our final chance at the World Olympic Qualifier in Bulgaria this coming spring.

3. RTC all-star cards and special broadcast events kept the sport alive – When wrestling shut down due to the pandemic, there became a great hunger for wrestling in our nation. Not only did the nation’s top wrestlers want to compete, but wrestling fans were craving to see some great action. Instead of waiting until the world opened up completely, the wrestling community got very creative. …. rest of this fine story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/30/Abbott-Blog-top-wrestling-stories-of-2020?mc_cid=e4f16a9e0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

January 6, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Schedules – 2021 – # 2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look at just some of the college schedules that have been announced recently. Great to see a full listing of upcoming matches and events. Will try to keep up with the results as they come in.
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1 } – Big Ten Conference Announces 2020-21 Wrestling Schedule; Penn State to Face Nine Conference Opponents
Nittany Lions have five traditional duals and two tri-meets
The Big Ten Conference announced the 2020-21 wrestling schedule this afternoon and the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team now knows who it is facing in the upcoming season.  Head coach Cael Sanderson‘s squad will take on nine Big Ten opponents in five traditional dual meets and two tri-meets. Penn State will visit Rutgers on Saturday, Jan. 16, to open up the new season in the last place it competed nearly a year ago (Rutgers hosted the 2020 Big Ten Championship last March).  The Nittany Lions then host Michigan State on Sunday, Jan. 24.  Penn State’s next two dates will be road tri-meets. Tri-meets feature three teams wrestling at one site with all teams present wrestling two duals in one day’s worth of competition.  Penn State will trek to Northwestern on Saturday, Jan. 30, for matches with Northwestern and Indiana.  The next week, Penn State visits Michigan for a tri-meet on Sunday, Feb. 7. Penn State will battle the Wolverines and Wisconsin. … rest of story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/12/31/big-ten-conference-announces-2020-21-wrestling-schedule-penn-state-to-face-nine-conference-opponents.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – B1G Releases 2021 Wrestling Schedule
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Big Ten Conference released the 2021 wrestling schedule on the final day of 2020, unveiling the seven regular season contents for Purdue. The Boilermakers open their slate on Friday, Jan. 15, hosting Northwestern for a dual in Holloway Gymnasium. “It’s fantastic to finally have a schedule and start preparing for an actual date,” said Purdue head coach Tony Ersland. “The guys have been working for months, with no end goal in sight, but now they have an actual target date to be ready to go. We couldn’t be more excited.” The Boilermakers will host three events for 2021, opening with the Wildcats in two weeks, hosting Iowa and Ohio State for a tri-dual on Feb. 7, and closing out the regular season against archrival Indiana on Feb. 21. … rest of story at https://purduesports.com/news/2020/12/31/b1g-releases-2021-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Gophers Announce 2021 Wrestling Schedule
Minnesota will host Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern at Maturi Pavilion.
The University of Minnesota wrestling program has announced its 2021 schedule, which will consist of five dual meets and two tri-meets. Times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. All home dual meets will be held at Maturi Pavilion. The Golden Gophers open the season on the road in consecutive weeks beginning on Friday, January 8 against Nebraska. Minnesota will travel to East Lansing, Mich., to face Michigan State and Maryland on Saturday, January 16. In the first of three home duals, the Golden Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes will renew one of college wrestling’s great rivalries on Friday, January 22 at Maturi Pavilion. … rest of story at https://gophersports.com/news/2020/12/31/gophers-announce-2021-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – 2021 Wisconsin wrestling schedule announced
Badgers to host three Big Ten home matches at UW Field House
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin wrestling team will wrestle nine conference duals in the new year starting on Sunday, Jan. 17, the Big Ten Conference announced Thursday. The Badgers open their season on the road in Champaign, Illinois with a tri-meet against Illinois and Ohio State. Wisconsin will host three home matches against Purdue (Jan. 24), Minnesota (Feb. 12) and Iowa (Feb. 21) at the UW Field House. The Badgers will travel to Nebraska (Jan. 31) and to Northwestern (Feb. 14) for dual meets. They’ll also travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Feb. 7 for a tri-meet with host Michigan and Penn State. Looking at the post-season, Penn State will host the Big Ten Championships on March 6-7 … rest of story at https://uwbadgers.com/news/2020/12/31/2021-wrestling-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – No. 10 Wrestling Announces 2021 Regular Season Schedule
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – No. 10/17 Rutgers wrestling announced its competition schedule for the 2021 season. The six-date, nine event calendar features four Big Ten Conference duals, one Big Ten Conference tri-meet and one Big Ten Conference quad. Times and television selections for each date will be finalized at a later time and the initial schedule is subject to change.  The Scarlet Knights open the season with back-to-back home duals against No. 2 Michigan (Jan. 8) and No. 6 Penn State (Jan. 16). RU then hits the road against No. 8 Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 24 in Columbus before it hosts No. 11 Minnesota and No. 15 Purdue on the weekend of Jan. 29-31 at the RAC.  February begins with a road quad meet against No. 7 Nebraska, No. 17 Michigan State and Indiana in Bloomington during the weekend of Feb. 6-8. The regular season concludes with a dual at Maryland on Friday, Feb. 19. … rest of story at https://scarletknights.com/news/2020/12/31/no-10-wrestling-announces-2021-regular-season-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Michigan’s Nine-Dual, League-Only Wrestling Schedule to Begin Jan. 8
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan wrestling team announced its 2020-21 schedule on Thursday (Dec. 31), in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference release. The Wolverines’ conference-only slate will feature nine total duals, spread across two tri-meets and five single meets.
The only Big Ten school with two competitions in the opening weekend, Michigan will kick off the season next weekend with road trips to Rutgers (Friday, Jan. 8) and Maryland (Sunday, Jan. 10) before returning to Cliff Keen Arena to host Indiana on Sunday, Jan. 17 — the first of three home dates this season. After a bye weekend, the Wolverines will compete in back-to-back tri-meets — against Illinois and Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, over the weekend of Jan. 29-31 and at home against Penn State and Wisconsin over the weekend of Feb. 5-7. All duals in a tri-meet will occur on a single day, but the specific dates will be determined … rest of story at https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/12/31/michigans-nine-dual-league-only-wrestling-schedule-to-begin-jan-8.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Michigan State Wrestling 2021 Schedule Announced
Spartans will open season Jan. 16, first of nine-match season featuring three home, three away dates.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State wrestling announced its 2021 schedule with an abbreviated nine-match, Big Ten Conference only schedule, released by the league office Thursday afternoon. Due to the delayed start of the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSU will have nine matches on six dates, featuring one tri and one quad meet, along with four duals. … rest of story at https://msuspartans.com/news/2020/12/31/michigan-state-wrestling-2021-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Air Force Wrestling Releases Abbreviated 2021 Slate
Air Force will wrestle in 10 duals, all versus Big 12 opponents
USAFA, Colo. – The Air Force Academy wrestling team and Head Coach Sam Barber announced its abbreviated 2021 schedule today, Dec. 30. The slate will include 10 duals overall, with all 10 coming against Big 12 opponents. “It has been a great opportunity to grow, improve, and prepare during these unprecedented times,” Barber stated. “To say we are excited to compete would be a great understatement. We are committed to not allowing our circumstances overshadow our mission and our goals. This team is prepared and fired up to compete. It is who we are, and it is what we do. We are warriors in our United States Air and Space Forces. We have grown our program, we have wrestled and now we will compete.” The season kicks off at home inside Clune Arena Sunday, Jan. 17, … rest of story at https://goairforcefalcons.com/news/2020/12/30/air-force-wrestling-releases-abbreviated-2021-slate.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – NDSU Hosts Oregon State, No. 10 Missouri Sunday in Season Opener
This WeekThe North Dakota State wrestling team opens the 2020-21 season this Sunday, Jan. 3, hosting Oregon State at 10 a.m. and 10th-ranked Missouri at 12 p.m. in the Scheels Center at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. Both NDSU matches will be televised statewide on BEK Sports and online at FloWrestling and GoBison.com with Jordan Hassler and Jack Maughan on the call. Additional matches not being televised include South Dakota State vs. Missouri at 10 a.m., SDSU vs. Oregon State at 12 p.m. and Missouri vs. Oregon State at 2 p.m.
TicketsCapacity for Sunday’s event will be limited to 1,000 spectators under current North Dakota health guidelines and all attendees will be required to wear masks. … rest of story at https://gobison.com/news/2020/12/31/wrestling-ndsu-hosts-oregon-state-no-10-missouri-sunday-in-season-opener.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – At long last, here is Iowa’s 2021 wrestling schedule
At long last, Iowa’s 2021 wrestling schedule has arrived. The Big Ten Conference officially released the league-wide wrestling schedule for all 14 schools Thursday afternoon. The top-ranked Hawkeyes will wrestle ninel duals on seven dates between January and February, and they’ll take on some of the league’s heavy hitters, too.
Below is Iowa’s full 2021 wrestling schedule, according to the Big Ten:

11 } – Little Rock Wrestling 2021 Schedule Now Live
LITTLE ROCK – The Little Rock wrestling schedule has officially been announced by head coach Neil Erisman, with the Trojans set for their first dual of the year this Saturday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m. CT against Pac-12 foes #11 Arizona State. Following a fall semester with no competition aside from one wrestle-off match, the regular season is set to run through February in a shortened version of the usual slate. “We are excited about this year’s challenge,” said Erisman, notably scheduling matches against four teams listed in the first NWCA Coaches Poll of 2021. “We have a great schedule that’s extremely tough and we have a talented young team that is hungry and loves to compete. I’m looking forward to seeing what we will do and fans should be ready for some action!” After the Trojans begin their season at Arizona State, Little Rock will participate in their first multi-team event of the year at Oklahoma State on Sunday, Jan. 10, wrestling the Cowboys … rest of story at https://lrtrojans.com/news/2021/1/1/little-rock-wrestling-2021-schedule-is-live.aspx?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – JACKRABBIT WRESTLING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The South Dakota State University wrestling team is slated to compete in six multi-team dual events before postseason competition as the Jackrabbits rolled out their long-awaited 2020-21 schedule Tuesday. The season is scheduled to begin Jan. 3 with a pair of nonconference duals in what will be their first of two trips to Fargo, North Dakota. The Jackrabbits are slated to wrestle both Missouri and Oregon State. Big 12 Conference rules implemented for the 2020-21 season allow teams only one competition date per week leading up the Big 12 Wrestling Championship; exact dates for the two-day event are expected to be finalized in early January. The Big 12 Championship will again serve as the qualifying tournament for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships slated for March 18-20 in St. Louis, Missouri.
… rest of story at https://gojacks.com/news/2020/12/22/jackrabbit-wrestling-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

January 6, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Northern Colorado enters Coaches Poll for the first time in decades

Manheim, Pennsylvania – It’s been 18,934 days since the Bears of the University of Northern Colorado were ranked in the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll. After opening up their season with a victory on the road against Wyoming, coach Troy Nickerson’s squad entered at No. 25 in the latest Top 25, released Tuesday. The school was known as Colorado State College the last time it appeared in the rankings and for decades, the Greeley, Colorado school was the flag-bearer for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference wrestling scene. The 1968-69 team finished the regular season ranked No. 6, which was the last time the school spent time in the rankings.
With a moderate portion of Division I wrestling squads taking the mats for the first time last weekend, there was minimal movement in the poll as just 14 duals were contested. Missouri (3-0) moved into the top 10 after sweeping South Dakota State, Oregon State and North Dakota State in Fargo.
No. 4 NC State (1-0) blanked Gardner-Webb 42-0 in a matchup of North Carolina schools, while No. 8 Virginia Tech (1-0) stopped Campbell 28-6 in Blacksburg. No. 9 Iowa State (1-0) opened up its regular season by topping Division III power Wartburg 35-6 in Ames.
Arizona State (1-0), Pittsburgh (1-0) and Central Michigan (1-0) were the only other ranked teams in action. The host Sun Devils topped Little Rock 39-3, while Pittsburgh rallied past Navy 22-14 in Annapolis. Central Michigan shut out Division III Olivet 44-0. … rest of story at Link: NWCA Release

January 6, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment